One-stop synch and licensing dept. to accelerate clearance process

Creation of the new enclave at the studio’s Burbank-based music arm — comprising Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records and Disney Music Publishing — will allow licensees to make just one negotiation for music that DMG solely controls. The department reports to vp of licensing Dominic Griffin.

DMG claimed its new department is the first such one-stop licensing operation.

The department will oversee music created by the Walt Disney Co. for its movies, TV shows and theme parks. DMG also controls the publishing of such acts as Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Grace Potter and ZZ Ward.

DMG executive vp Ken Bunt said in a statement, “By streamlining the licensing clearance process, we’ve been able to pitch, negotiate and close deals much more quickly than before. Dominic and his team have already increased the volume of licensing significantly, as well as positively affecting sales of our music.”

Griffin added, “By creating this new department, we were able to expand our services to our artists, songwriters, and partners globally. We have a wealth of both classic and contemporary music to offer. We recently completed a deal with the ‘Just Dance’ franchise and licensed 25 songs we own and control which will ship well over a million units.”